Public school applicant tracking systems (ATS) are largely dominated by companies like SAP, Workday, and Oracle, as well as niche providers like Applitrack (Frontline Education) and TedK12 (Powerschool). Schools adopted these ATS solutions in the 2000s to replace paper applications, primarily to manage high applicant volumes, improve record-keeping, and streamline processes. But these systems haven’t kept pace with today’s mobile job search trends. Over 80% of candidates now use mobile devices to search and apply for jobs, often preferring easy, centralized job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn.
School districts are still operating under the outdated assumption of “too many applicants, not enough roles,” which leads to deliberately complex, friction-filled application processes. While this approach may have worked in the 2000s, it’s no longer effective in 2024, where applications often receive just 1-2 candidates per week for numerous open roles.
Radar Talent Solutions is dedicated to reducing unnecessary hiring friction. We often respond to the “shouldn’t candidates put in the effort?” argument with, “How’s it working now?”—and the low response rates tell the story.
When evaluating candidate-friendly software, consider:
Is a login required? Logins shouldn’t be necessary at the initial application stage.
Is it mobile-friendly? Applications should be just as easy on a phone as on a desktop.
What’s the post-application experience? Does your system build relationships or keep candidates at a distance?
What does it automate? Automation is great for routine tasks but can harm meaningful candidate connections.
Radar Talent Solutions has generated over 30,000 applicants since 2022 by eliminating friction. What does your school’s application process look like? Have you tested it on mobile? Could it be contributing to shortages in bus drivers, custodians, after-school staff, and teachers? In Minnesota, over 50% of licensed teachers aren’t actively working. Let's create a system that works for today's candidates.